Dennis Trillo recalled his humble beginnings in showbiz
Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo looked back at his early career and the ambitions that drove him during his GMA Network contract renewal on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
Dennis is one of the most critically acclaimed and versatile actors in the Philippines, widely celebrated as the “Kapuso Drama King.”
Before becoming one of the most prominent stars of GMA, Dennis started his showbiz career under ABS-CBN’s Star Circle in 2000. Four years later, he transferred to the Kapuso network. He had his breaktrough role in the movie Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita in the same year, in which he portrayed the character of Ignacio “Inya” Basa, a cross-dressing spy during WWII.
From that, Dennis Trillo was recognized for his acting caliber and he was given opportunities in his career that brought to where he is now.
In an interview of his contract renewal with GMA, the actor reminisced about his humble beginnings in the entertainment industry, revealing that he once daydreamed about earning a talent fee of P15,000.
“Bago ako pumunta sa GMA, nanggaling ako sa ibang network. Naalala ko yung huling taping ko pa doon, sa MMK. Tapos no’ng time na yun, nasilip ko yung TF ng kasamahan ko. Nakita ko, 15k yung rate n’ya per taping. Tapos sabi ko, ‘Kailan kaya ako magkakaroon ng ganitong klaseng TF? Sigurado kapag nagkaroon ako ng ganitong kalaking TF per day, mas makakaipon ako at mabibili ko yung mga kailangan ko.'” Dennis shared.
Looking back, Dennis fulfilled this early aspiration when he joined GMA over 20 years ago.
Throughout his two-decade career as a Kapuso, Dennis has played many memorable characters. These roles showcased his versatility and strong dedication to his craft.
“Sabi ko, may kalalagyan ako dito. Feeling ko may mas future ako dito at nagkatotoo nga. Nagkaroon ako ng ilang mga proyekto. Pinagkatiwala nila yung malalaking shows sa GMA at ayun, unti-unti feeling ko nararating ko na, nakukuha ko na yung rhythm ko sa aking career,” the actor said.
As Dennis extends his journey with GMA, his career stands as a testament to how passion and perseverance transform long-term goals into reality.
He said that he will never forget how his life was truly changed with all the opportunities his home network gave not only to him, but also to the people around him and those he was able to help.
“Kaya maraming salamat sa inyo. Hinding hindi ko makakalimutan yung pagbabago ng buhay ko nang dahil sa GMA,” Dennis Trillo said.